Everyone (both of you) who read this blog) know that redwood trees are my spirit animal.  I have planted five of them here in my garden which is really too far inland and north for them to thrive. But they are.

And everyone knows how I love road trips, especially with a dog as my traveling companion en route to visit a loved one.

Roxie and I headed south with two  red kayaks loaded on top of the Subaru, and turned off the interstate ASAP toward 101, finding the trees immediately.  It’s slower that way, but who cares?

So, I’ll start at our destination and work my way back.

We found our holiday house down this road:

This is where our hostess lives:

This is our own personal guest house.

We settled in and made ourselves at home.

We were soon invited up to the big house for coffee and making plans.

Since the next day was exceptionally warm and sunny, we took advantage of it and headed right down the hill to this sleepy segment of the Russian River.

While we were paddling, we saw seals and a snowy egret.

And Kate snapped this looming fellow:

Next day, we took in a movie in Sebastopol and drove in to Santa Rosa to see the heart-breaking devastation from the fires last month.

.Sad beyond words.  Never fail to have a heart full of gratitude for being spared.

I was glad to see fireplugs were being installed along Kate’s road.

The movie was the new Kenneth Branagh version of Murder on the Orient Express.  We came home and watched the Albert Finney version and the next night, the David Suchet one, which we decided was our fave.

The next day was Thanksgiving.  We headed over to Guerneville to volunteer at the Veteran’s Hall.  Then stopped by the store to buy a pecan pie for later since the very upscale place we were having dinner didn’t offer such a homey dessert.

Our dinner was to die for.  Beautiful, intimate dining room, Michelin star, content diners.

 

(Yeah, yeah, I know this one is on its side.  It’s on Katherine’s phone and I can’t seem to fix it.  I was so full, I needed to be on my side anyway.  )

Next day we went to some little shops down the road and I found this beautiful antique vase.  Just the right colors for my snug.  I got it for $18.  Kate found a similar one online for a small fortune!

Too soon it was time to pack up and head home. I love traveling in pajamas.

One more look at Kate’s redwoods and Roxie and I headed out to find the 101 and head north.

So much to be thankful for.